INDIGENOUS INITIATIVES

Just as Lillian gave Frank affirmation to keep going, he also shares his own advice for parents working to get their kids back.

“If you have an addiction issue, put a picture of your child on your phone. Believe in yourself because we all deserve the opportunity to be a parent.”

As for Lillian, someone who was once a stranger to him, Frank is immensely grateful for all the times she was there to support him.

“There isn’t enough flowers in the world to express that feeling.”

In everything we do, we strive to create a space of reconciliation and inclusion. At Trellis we work to incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing and being in our programs and all of our staff and foster families receive education on Indigenous culture.

We are grateful to the Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Indigenous coworkers who continue to walk with us on this path. Here are a few highlights of the work happening at Trellis over the past year.

Culture Camp

Over the past few years, Okotoks Indigenous River Camp has served as a place for Indigenous youth and Elders to come together and reconnect to the land. The camp’s purpose is centered on creating opportunities for young people to learn about their Indigenous culture, build relationships with Elders and find healing.

“Being in foster care since I was very young, I have never had an opportunity like this one before. Five days with so many Elders, hearing the traditional stories and language. I needed this.”

– Culture Camp Youth

IIYIKA’KIMAAT PROGRAM

Our afterschool program encourages a youth’s sense of belonging and social inclusion from an Indigenous worldview. In addition to going to ceremony and receiving traditional teachings, youth also learn life skills such as communication styles, how to cook a meal, doing taxes, etc.

Iikyika’kimaat is very much a community that builds relationships. One of the highlights this year was the monthly family dinners hosted over Zoom. Meals were provided, and youth were always excited to invite all their friends and family.

Orange Shirt Day

Each year on September 30th, Trellis, along with many across the country, celebrate Orange Shirt Day to commemorate the residential school experience, to witness and honour the healing journey of the survivors and their families, and to commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation.

Last year Trellis hosted virtual events so that staff and the community could still participate in Orange Shirt Day from the safety of their homes during the pandemic.